When you start your tattoo apprenticeship, it is an important to know the tattoo equipments and the differences between each type of them. Tattoo machines are classified into liner machines and shader machines, both of which need suitable tattoo needles and proper output from your tattoo power supply. Although both of the tattoo machines look quite the same, there are still some differences between liner machines and shader machines. You will find some useful informations in this article.
“Liner” tattoo machine is used to do the precise tattoo outlining. You need to use “liner” tattoo needle with “liner” machines. “Liner” needles usually consist of three to nine small needle, which are tightly bound together in circle with sharp taper up to 4 mm. The common numbers of “liner” needles are 3, 5, 7 and 9. “Liner” machine has a upright position and has a small capacitor and a small coil, both of which runs quickly to help the precise outlining work.
“Shader” tattoo machine is used for coloring and shading work. You need “shader” tattoo needles for “shader” machines. The “shader” needles are straightly bound together with some loose space in between, which help the needles to cover a bigger area of the skin. The “shader” needles also have less sharp taper, which is usually smaller than 2 mm. The common numbers of “liner” needles are 4, 7 and 9. But sometime the “shader” machine can hold up to 15 needles at once for some special shading work. “Shader” tattoo machines are usually made in angled position, which helps for different shading techs. “Shader ” machines also have larger capacitors and biger coils, so that the machine runs slower than “liners”.